Level 2 Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship
Start Your Career in Professional Hairdressing
Build the skills, confidence and professional standards required to succeed in a modern salon environment with the Level 2 Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship.
Designed for aspiring hairdressers working in salons, this industry-recognised programme develops the practical techniques, client care expertise and commercial awareness needed to work as a competent hair professional — all while earning and learning.
Funding: Levy / Co-funded | Classes: Weekly 9.30am–3.30pm
Progression: Advanced Hairdressing, Specialist Pathways & Salon Careers
Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •
Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •
Programme Overview:
The Level 2 Hairdressing Professional apprenticeship prepares apprentices to work confidently as professional hairdressers within commercial salon environments. Aligned to the Hairdressing Professional Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard, this programme develops the practical hairdressing skills, technical knowledge and professional behaviours required to succeed within the industry.
Hairdressing professionals deliver a wide range of services while maintaining high standards of client care, hygiene, health and safety, professionalism and commercial awareness. Qualified hairdressers contribute directly to the salon’s reputation, client satisfaction and business performance while building long-term client relationships.
What Will the Apprentice Learn?
Apprentices develop competence across core hairdressing techniques, professional practices and essential industry knowledge.
Practical Hairdressing Skills
Shampooing and conditioning hair
Cutting hair using professional technique
Blow-drying and stylin
Setting and dressing hair
Hair colouring services
Lightening and toning techniques
Perming and texture services
Core Professional and Business Knowledge
Hair science and hair structure
Infection prevention and control
Health and safety legislation
Client consultation techniques
Contraindications and safe practice
Aftercare advice and client guidance
Retailing and product promotion
Commercial awareness and contribution to business performance
Access to Advanced Training Opportunities
As part of their development, apprentices can progress onto advanced hairdressing courses and specialist training, supporting the development of higher-level technical skills and career progression within the industry.
-
The standard on-programme duration is 9 months.
-
A Hairdressing Professional works independently or as part of a salon team, delivering professional hair services in accordance with legal, industry and organisational standards.
Hairdressers provide services safely, efficiently and within commercially viable timescales while maintaining excellent client satisfaction.
They are responsible for:
• Conducting client consultations and understanding client needs
• Shampooing, conditioning, cutting and styling hair
• Colouring and lightening hair using professional techniques
• Maintaining strict hygiene and health and safety standards
• Promoting retail products and additional salon services
• Maintaining professional conduct and salon presentationOnce competent, hairdressers typically work with minimal supervision while maintaining high professional standards.
-
Yes. Levy and non-levy employer funding is available.
Employers can use apprenticeship funding to cover the cost of training and assessment, subject to eligibility and apprenticeship funding rules
-
The programme is delivered remotely through a blend of live online sessions, structured learning activities, workplace application, and regular support from an experienced tutor.
Delivery includes:
• Live online training sessions
• Structured off-the-job training
• Professional discussions
• Portfolio development support
• One-to-one progress reviews and coachingApprentices must complete their required off-the-job training hours in line with apprenticeship funding requirements.
Employers must provide protected time during working hours for apprentices to complete their off-the-job training.
-
Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:
• Achieve Level 1 English and Maths (if required)
• Attempt Level 2 English and Maths (if required)
• Achieve the mandated qualification: Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing)
• Complete their on-programme portfolio
• Complete a minimum of 509 off-the-job training hours
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer -
The End-Point Assessment is carried out by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation.
It typically includes:
• Practical observation
• Knowledge test
• Professional discussionSuccessful completion leads to achievement of the full apprenticeship standard.
-
To enrol, apprentices must:
Be employed within a hairdressing salon environment
Demonstrate commitment to professional standards and client care
Be motivated to develop within the hairdressing industry
Employers must provide suitable opportunities for apprentices to practise the full range of required hair services.
-
On successful completion, apprentices may progress to:
• Level 2 Barbering Professional
• Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
• Level 3 Customer Service Specialist
• Level 3 Advanced and Creative Hairdressing
• Level 3 Hair, Wigs and Make-Up Prosthetics Technician
• Level 3 Wellbeing and Holistic TherapistCareer opportunities may include:
• Junior Hairdresser
• Salon Stylist Assistant
• Freelance or Mobile Hairdresser
• Salon Retail ConsultantThe hair industry also offers opportunities within salons, luxury hotels, cruise ships, media styling and self-employment.
-
Yes — this hairdressing apprenticeship includes more than just the core qualification. Apprentices benefit from added-value training, professional recognition, and accredited CPD courses designed to support career progression and workplace readiness.
Professional Membership – Hair Council
Apprentices can access trainee membership with the Hair Council, helping them build their professional profile and demonstrate commitment to professional hairdressing standards in the UK.
Membership supports apprentices to:
• Build their professional identity within the hairdressing industry
• Access industry guidance, updates, and best practice
• Understand the importance of professional registration
• Demonstrate commitment to recognised industry standards
Accredited CPD Training (Hairdressing Apprenticeship)
As part of the programme, apprentices complete CPD-accredited training, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), with additional courses such as Health & Safety and Fire Warden training where applicable.
This CPD training helps apprentices to:
• Work safely and confidently in a salon environment
• Understand UK health and safety regulations
• Safely handle, store, and dispose of hazardous substances
• Support compliant and professional salon practices
These added-value benefits provide recognised certification alongside the hairdressing apprenticeship, improve employability, and support progression into advanced hairdressing training and specialist roles.
-
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find Out More About Apprenticeship Training with Cedars Training Academy
Client Reviews
“Starting my apprenticeship with Cedars was the best decision I could have made for my career. The training balanced real salon experience with structured learning, and the tutors were always available when I needed guidance. I now feel confident working with clients and developing my skills every day.”
— Olivia Carter, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice“The programme helped me understand not just the practical side of hairdressing but also the professional standards expected in a busy salon. The face-to-face academy sessions and workplace training worked really well together.”
— Jack Thompson, Hairdressing Professional Apprentice“What stood out for me was the level of support throughout the apprenticeship. From building my portfolio to preparing for the End-Point Assessment, everything was clearly explained. I feel fully prepared to progress further in the hairdressing industry.”
— Amelia Roberts, Level 2 Hairdressing ApprenticeHairdressing Professional Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •
Hairdressing Professional Apprenticeship • Government Funded Training • Industry Standards • Career Progression •